HER MAJESTY’S BIRTHDAY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2929, 30 May 1870, Page 4 (Supplement)

HER MAJESTY’S BIRTHDAY.

The fifty-first anniversary of Her Majesty’s natal day was celebrated throughout the province in the usual loyal manner. In all the principal towns a general holiday was observed, whilst Christchurch and Lyttelton displayed bunting with their wonted profusion. The weather, by way of a change, was this time of a very favourable character, and the most was made of the opportunity afforded by suspension of business to enjoy the amusements constituting the programme for the day. The races arranged by the Jockey Club were tiie most important feature, and the volunteer parade being fixed at an early hour, there was nothing to cause a division amongst the general public on the plains, whilst in Port the only thing clashing with the races was an artillery match, which, being some distance from town, was not calculated to attract many civilian spectators. The consequence was that all the events were most successful, am? tire general result of the holiday was highly satisfactory. The head quarter volunteers paraded in front of the Drill-shed at half-past 9 o’clock, but those who went to witness an imposing ceremony were disappointed, for the muster was so small, we might even say unusually small, that it was impossible to give anything like reasonable effect to amilita-y demonstration of loyalty to Her Majesty’s throne and person. In the absence of Colonel Packs Major Wilson commanded the parade, and first proceeded to inspect the respective corps. They were then formed in line with the Artillery on the right, and the customary Royal salute and feu dejoie were fired. The whole force was then marched past in open column, and directly afterwards dismissed. The Lyttelton Volunteer Artillery mustered at noon, and marched down to the reclaimed land, where they fired a royal salute and feu de joie, the excellent band under the direction of Mr Horsefield playing the National Anthem. They then proceeded to the Railway Station to meet the Christchurch Aitillery, who were to fire a challenge with the Timaru Volunteers. After marching through the town they entertained their visitors at a luncheon provided by Mr Hill, at the Albion Hotel. At 2 p.m. they proceeded to Battery Point, where the Lyttelton Artillery practised at a target placed upon a reef at 1450 yards distance. The result was that 9 shots struck the reef out of 13 fired. The Christchurch Artillery then fired off their match against the Timaru Artillery. There were 9 hollow shots fired at 1450 yards with the following results:— Distance from target. Over. Right. Left, yds yds. yds Gunner Smith ... 100 „ Walters ... 25 „ Foster ... 50 „ Fox ... 50 j, Piper ... 25 6 „ Woodford ... 60 in line „ Raven ... 10 „ „ Turton ... 30 „ Banton ... 60 100 SPHERICAL SHOT. Captain Bird’s shot burst 100 yards short Lieut. Stansell’s „ 50 „ Capt. W. F. Moore’s „ close over. Lieut. Walker, L.V.A., officiated as umpire, and Captain W. F. Moore as scorer. The party was under the command of Captain Bird and Lieut. Stunsell. There was a large number of visitors, and the proceedings were enlivened by the band of the Lyttelton Volunteer Artillery and the fife and drum band of the Orphan Asylum. The firing being terminated the volunteers fell in and marched back to town, headed by the bands. We may s-tate that the weather was very unfavourable for practice, as a strong breeze was blowing from the N.W., and in addition to that the Christchurch Volunteers had never before fired at this range. In the evening a ball given by the Foresters wound up a very pleasant holiday.